LSMDRN-Dissertation (MRes)

Module Provider: English Language and Applied Linguistics
Number of credits: 100 [50 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring / Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Parvaneh Tavakoli
Email: p.tavakoli@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module supports the key research elements of the MRes in Applied Linguistics programme, by providing the essential information required to design a viable and original research project, conduct a piece of research using appropriate data analyses techniques and write up a dissertation which could potentially form the basis of a PhD proposal. The module involves one to one supervision meetings and writing a 20,000-word Dissertation.

Aims:

The module aims to introduce students to the basic tenets of research in the Social Sciences so that they can critically evaluate different approaches, designs, data collection methods and forms of analysis in relation to their own research project and those in the literature. It will help students formulate research questions, construct a methodology, suggest analyses and outline outcomes of their dissertation research. Through reflection and feedback, they will learn to design a viable and valid piece of research. They will learn the writing skills needed to write a dissertation based on original research questions and data analysis.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of this module it is anticipated that the student will be able to produce a Dissertation which:

• is well-grounded in professional needs (if appropriate) and previous research


• has a clearly focused purpose


• has been carefully designed and conducted


• is clearly and concisely reported


• shows clear awareness of ethical concerns raised by the research


• is thoughtfully discussed and evaluated


• is well-written and well-presented, in accordance with appropriate academic conventions.

Additional outcomes:

Students should be able to demonstrate familiarity with a wide range of literature and resources relevant to research; use the web as a resource for learning and research.

In acquiring drafting skills, students will gain a broader understanding of how to conduct research in applied linguistics. An essential part of the process is the feedback provided by the lecturer at different stages in designing the study, developing research instruments, collecting data and writing up the dissertation. Students will develop their research skills through conducting research and will develop their academic writing skills through writing the thesis. They will be provided with the knowledge to become critical consumers of the research literature.

By the end of this module students should have the skills needed to conduct an extended piece of research, including its presentation in an appropriate academic form, in preparation for the larger research project required for a PhD. These skills include time management, ways of approaching human subjects, and ways of approaching ethical issues.

Outline content:

Dissertation (Spring, Summer and Summer vacation): Support for conducting the research and writing the dissertation will be provided through one-to-one meetings with the designated supervisor; discussions will address in detail the research questions, research design and possible analyses, supplementing material covered in research training modules elsewhere on the programme.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Dissertation: one-to-one meetings as described above.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Project Supervision		4	6
Fieldwork		16	24
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		40	100
Wider reading (directed)		40	70
Carry-out research project		30	200
Dissertation writing		20	200
Essay preparation		30	150
Reflection		20	50
Total hours by term	0	200	800
Total hours for module	1000

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Dissertation	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students will be writing a 20,000-word dissertation on an original research question.

This piece of work constitutes 100% of the module mark.

Formative assessment methods:

Supervisors provide detailed feedback on two of the dissertation chapters.

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 'Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes', which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A grade of at least 50% on each piece of coursework and the dissertation.

Reassessment arrangements:

Following a failure in the dissertation, the candidate has one year in which to resubmit (or submit) the dissertation.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 30 March 2023